Tom Hollander to played Dylan Thomas

Tom Hollander is to play Dylan Thomas in a new BBC Two drama 'A Poet in New York', which will explore how the legendary poet died in a smog-ridden New York in November 1953 aged 39

Tom Hollander is to play Dylan Thomas in a new drama.

The 'Rev' actor will take on the role of the legendary poet in BBC Two show 'A Poet in New York', which will tell the story of how he died in a smog-ridden New York in November 1953 aged 39, and the 46-year-old star can't wait to play the part.

He said: "I am thrilled to be playing Dylan Thomas for Aisling Walsh in Andrew Davies' wonderful 'A Poet in New York', produced by Modern Television.

"Thomas was a great poet, whose blazing life and premature death left both a considerable poetic legacy and an enduring reputation for bad behaviour. He was also quite fat.

"Playing him is both a wonderful acting challenge and a great opportunity to eat things that I would normally have to avoid."

The movie will explore the part Dylan played in his own demise and will also star Essie Davis as Dylan's wife Caitlin, Ewen Bremner and Phoebe Fox.

Essie said: "I am very excited to be part of this production and working with this terrific team on 'A Poet in New York'. I played Polly Garter in 'Under Milk Wood' in high school and have loved Dylan Thomas since that first meeting.

"Caitlin has an interesting story to tell and it is thrilling to be part of a project celebrating the centenary of his birth."